A friend recently shared an article on social media about a politician who is trying to ban euthanasia for animals. The politician seems to be doing so out of a misplaced sense of compassion.
This is a step in the wrong direction. Euthanasia should be acceptable for both animals in pain and humans who choose it.
The American Constitution gives us first and foremost the right to life. This includes the right to take our own life, especially if criteria of terminal illness, age, and mental soundness are met.
A friend recently had a neighbor pass away of a painful cancer. That neighbor wanted to take his own life in the end stages but his partner convinced him not to. By the time he reached the hospital and was in horrific pain he was begging for death but it was too late for him to do it. People should never be reduced to such states.
A human with terminal illness or suffering in their old age should not have their lives against their wishes. An animal in the same condition should not have it’s life extended and be put in pain needlessly.
Even for animals that are not old or sick, euthanasia is often the most compassionate option. Just watch a video on YouTube of wild dogs eating another dog or antelope alive. I would rather die quickly and painlessly in my sleep than get eaten alive or live in a filthy, dingy shelter.
Euthanasia, with appropriate protections to be sure it’s not misused, should be a standard option for both humans and animals.